Highlights data from unobtrusive exploratory study related to referral process of reference questions posed at academic depository libraries. Related literature is reviewed, followed by discussions of assumptions related to referral process, implications of study findings, recommendations to improve quality of referral services, and research…

Sketches the role of computerized library networking in the electronic library of the future and discusses briefly the likely effects of changes in methods of communication on the various social systems in which libraries interact. Accompanying the text are four figures and a 13-item reference list. (Author/JL)

Recounts the history of the Research Libraries Group (RLG) and Stanford University's involvement in it, with an account of the problems that developed with the system, particularly several computer failures which almost spelled the end of the network. The comments of key figures in the RLG story are included. (JL)

The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system, which provides access to a wide variety of information concerned with education, is discussed. The process of acquiring, selecting, retrieving, and disseminating documents is described. (Author/PHR)

Reports the activities of the 17th General Assembly of the URTI held in January 1979. Objectives of the assembly included the development of a videocassette exchange library, the development of a Cultural Information Bank, expansion of correspondent's role, and increasing membership. (RAO)

The hometown of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has created the Blacksburg Electronic Village, a community-based computer network linking businesses, schools, and individual community members. The university, telephone company, and town established the system collaboratively in 1992, and additional grants have come to the…

Describes how information professionals at the 1997 SCOUG (Southern California Online User Group) conference created a Virtual Library Corporation of librarians to serve a worldwide, digital clientele. Mission statements were developed which included promoting/developing synergistic structures and systems for universal access, promoting…

Presents seven guidelines for launching a company intranet: (1) don't promise what can't be delivered; (2) be clear about who owns what; (3) be demand-led; (4) invest time in practical demonstrations; (5) avoid jargon; (6) have adequate resources to support colleagues; and (7) make intranet benefits relevant to colleagues. (AEF)

Provides a concise overview of the potential role of the Internet for helping geography students in their studies. Briefly describes and discusses e-mail communication with groups and individuals, downloading databases, researching information for assignments, publishing on the World Wide Web, and virtual fieldwork. Lists a number of useful Web…

Although Spanish interlibrary loans (ILL) have increased from 100 to 525 per 100,000 inhabitants, there are still many problems to resolve. Examines a plan developed by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) Library Network to improve ILL services. Provides a comparative analysis of ILL services from 1992-1995. Includes charts…

Describes a multifaceted approach for generating systematic information on scientific and technological institutions in developing countries based on the concept of the research system as a multiorganizational network. Provides an account of how this approach was implemented in a three-country study to shed light on problems in developing…

The evolution of the Internet and World Wide Web are chronicled briefly, and the challenges and opportunities they offer for college campus planning are discussed. Three issues are discussed: how institutions can use these resources to further their aims of instruction, research, recruitment, public information, and financial strength; assurance…

Examines the topic of networked information. Discusses the possibility of a global stock exchange, the utility of environmental information on the Internet, the Internet in India, and Internet user types and habits according to a survey conducted in Denmark. (AEF)

Reviews developments related to standards in electronic and networked information. Discusses traditional library and Internet communities, and notes the importance of having a supporting infrastructure in place. Topics include: Z39.50; Z39.56 Serial Item/Contribution Identifier (SICI); Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Protocol; character set standards;…

Examines the World Wide Web as a curriculum resource and teaching tool. Finds much to recommend in the system's access to electronic databases, publications, listservs, newsgroups, and e-mail. Abuses and deficiencies include misinformation, lack of access to computers, and very few tools for assessment. (MJP)